England on the back foot

12 April 2012

A batting collapse undermined England's hopes of landing a pre-Ashes blow on Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Despite openers Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell providing a fine start with a stand of 83, once they were separated the innings imploded.

Andrew Flintoff's side tumbled to 169 all out as opposite number Ricky Ponting's bowling changes were invariably followed by immediate rewards.

Whichever of the two fierce rivals loses this day-night contest will almost certainly be eliminated from the competition, and England appeared well set to post a challenging score on the two-paced Jaipur pitch.

However, Australia sliced through their opponents as all 10 wickets toppled for 86 runs in 26 overs.

Ponting's decision to bowl first was influenced by the potential dew later this evening and Australia also selected fast bowler Mitchell Johnson at the expense of Brad Hogg because of concerns that spinners will struggle to grip a wet ball.

Five times bowlers struck in their first over of new spells as England struggled on the sluggish surface.

Queenslander Johnson and state colleague Shane Watson were the main destroyers with three wickets apiece, snaring power hitters Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff respectively.

Their departures sucked the vibrancy out of the innings - Pietersen, in at number three, edged Johnson behind, while Flintoff succumbed hooking Watson two balls after being struck on the helmet.

Strauss top-scored with 56 before edging a Andrew Symonds delivery behind.

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